Expansion joint for longitudinal load transfer

ABSTRACT

An expansion joint design for supporting transfer loads. The system includes an elongated core and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member which are bonded together.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/272,837,filed Dec. 30, 2015 for “Sealing expansion joint for longitudinal loadtransfer and method of manufacture,” is hereby claimed and thespecification thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for creating adurable seal between adjacent panels, including those which may besubject to temperature expansion and contraction or mechanical shear.More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to an expansionjoint design for supporting transfer loads.

Description of the Related Art

Construction panels come in any different sizes and shapes and may beused for various purposes, including roadways, sideways, and pre-caststructures, particularly buildings. Use of precast concrete panels forinterior and exterior walls, ceilings and floors, for example, hasbecome more prevalent. As precast panels are often aligned in generallyabutting relationship, forming a lateral gap or joint between adjacentpanels to allow for independent movement, such in response to ambienttemperature variations within standard operating ranges, buildingsettling or shrinkage and seismic activity. Moreover, these joints aresubject to damage over time. Most damage is from vandalism, wear,environmental factors and when the joint movement is greater, the sealmay become inflexible, fragile or experience cohesive failure. As aresult, “long lasting” in the industry refers to a joint likely to beusable for a period greater than the typical lifespan of five (5) years.Various seals have been created in the field.

Various seal systems and configurations have been developed forimposition between these panels to provide seals which provide one ormore of fire protection, waterproofing, sound and air insulation. Thistypically is accomplished with a seal created by imposition of multipleconstituents in the joint, such as silicone application, backer bars,and compressible foams.

Expansion joint system designs for situations requiring the support oftransfer loads have often required the use of rigid extruded rubber orpolymer glands. These systems lack the resiliency and seismic movementrequired in expansion joints. These systems have been further limited infunctioning as a fire resistant barrier, which is often a desiredfunction.

Other systems have incorporated cover plates that span the joint itself,often anchored to the concrete or attached to the expansion jointmaterial and which are expensive to supply and install. Additionally,cover plates that are higher than the deck or substrate level canpresent a hazard, such as tripping, an unnecessary impediment, such asto wheelchairs. Further, these systems require undesirable mechanicalattachment, which requires drilling into the deck or joint substrate.Cover plate systems that are not mechanically attached rely on supportor attachment to the expansion joint, thereby subject the expansionjoint system to continuous compression, expansion and tension on thebond line when force is applied to the cover plate, which shortens thelife of the joint system.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure therefore meets the above needs and overcomes oneor more deficiencies in the prior art by providing an expansion jointdesign for supporting transfer loads. In particular, the presentdisclosure provides an alternative to the load transfer of an extrudedgland or anchored cover plate, and does so without the movementlimitations of extruded glands, and without the potential compressionset, delamination or de-bonding found in these expansion joints.

The disclosure provides an expansion joint system comprising andelongated core of a resiliently compressible foam and one or moreincompressible longitudinal load-transfer members bonded to theelongated foam core.

Additional aspects, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdescription of the various embodiments and related drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the described features, advantages, andobjects of the disclosure, as well as others which will become apparent,are attained and can be understood in detail; more particulardescription of the disclosure briefly summarized above may be had byreferring to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in thedrawings, which drawings form a part of this specification. It is to benoted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typicalpreferred embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope as the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 provides an end view of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side view of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides an end view of one embodiment of the present disclosureafter imposition between substrates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an end view of one embodiment of the expansionjoint system 100 of the present disclosure is provided. The systemincludes an elongated core 102 and at least one longitudinalload-transfer member 114 which are bonded together.

The elongated core 102 is composed of resiliently compressible foam,which may be closed cell or open cell foam, or a combination thereof.The extent of compressibility may be selected based on the need. Ahigher compression results in higher water resistance, but may createdifficulties in installation, and ultimately becomes so compressed as tolack flexibility, such as at a ratio of 5:1. The elongated core 102 maybe compressible by 25%, or may compress by 100% or as high as 400% sothat the elongated core 102 is one quarter of the elongated core lateralwidth 122. However, the higher compression ratios negatively affect thefunctionality of the system 100 by, among other issues, reducing themovement of the system 100 within the joint. As the joint cycles, theactual compression ratio will change, so the optimum ratio should beselected. A 2:1 compression ratio may be used, but preferably notgreater than 4:1. Lower compression ratios are desirable, as theseallots a full +/−50% movement versus −25%/+35% as found in products inthe art. The elongated core 102 includes an elongated core top 104, anelongated core bottom 108, an elongated core first side 101, and anelongated core second side 103. An elongated core height 120 is definedintermediate the elongated core top 104 and the elongated core bottom108. This core height 120 may be of consistent with heights of systemsknown in the art, or may be shorter in light of the longitudinalload-transfer member 114, providing a more desirable profile for use inthe field. A core height may be about 0.375 inches or may besubstantially more. Both the elongated core first side 101 and theelongated core second side 103 are generally perpendicular to theelongated core top 104. An elongated core lateral width 122 is definedintermediate the elongated core first side 101 and the elongated coresecond side 103. While the core 102 may be composed of a single piece offoam, the core 102 may be formed by lamination of foam members to oneanother, and/or, when present, to a support member 112.

The longitudinal load-transfer member 114 is incompressible, but may berigid, semi-rigid or flexible in the vertical plane, i.e. a planeperpendicular to the first plane 308 and perpendicular to the elongatedcore longitudinal axis 202, to best transfer the load applied to thesystem 100 across the length of the elongated core 102. The longitudinalload-transfer member 114 is bonded to, or put into, the elongated foamcore 102 at the elongated core top 104 and is generally longitudinallyco-extensive. The longitudinal load-transfer member 114 has alongitudinal load-transfer member lateral width 124. While onelongitudinal load-transfer member 114 may be used, preferably aplurality, such as six, are bonded, in spaced apart positions, to theelongated core 102. The number of longitudinal load-transfer member 114is selected to provide maximum load transfer and, when desired, fireprotection, while not impeding the cycling of the system 100. Thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114 may be post-tensioned by affixingthe end of a longitudinal load-transfer member 114 beyond the end of thecore 102 to the adjacent material.

The longitudinal load-transfer member 114 may also be rigid, semi-rigidor flexible in the horizontal plane, i.e the plane parallel to the firstlane 306, to restrict bending of the expansion joint core material. Thisreduces undesirable bending of the system 100 which may cause somesurface-bonded or coated intumescent materials to de-bond or de-laminatereducing or eliminating the fire-resistive properties.

The system 100 may further include, when desired, one or more supportmembers 112. Each support member has a support member top 126, a supportmember thickness 128, a support member first side 130, a support membersecond side 132, and a support member height 134. The use of the supportmembers 112 support a flatter elongated core top 104 with betterdistribution of load and provides a lower trip hazard.

The support member thickness 128 is equivalent to, i.e. substantiallythe same thickness as, the longitudinal load-transfer member lateralwidth 124 and, when used, the support member 112 is positioned withinthe core 102, such that a support member top 126 is adjacent alongitudinal load-transfer member 114. The support member may bepositioned within a deeper elongated core top slot 154 in the elongatedcore 102. A core stop slot may be about 0.375 inches or may besubstantially more. When desired, the support member 112 may abut thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114, or may be joined to it. The loadapplied to the longitudinal load transfer member 114 is thereforetransferred to the support member 112. The support member height 134 isat least half the elongated core height 120, but may be equivalent to,or even equal to, i.e. substantially the same height or even the sameheight as, the elongated core height 120. While the entirety of the loadtransferred to the support member 112 may be transferred down to thefoam below, or any surface below the system 100, the support member 112may be bonded to the adjacent core 102 where support member first side130 and the support member second side 132 contact the foam members 110.This may be accomplished by an adhesive applied to the support member112. The core 102 may comprise a lamination of several foam members 110or a core 102 having separations along its body, i.e. slits orincisions, which separate the core 102 among several members 110. Thesesupport members 112 may be high durometer rubber or a rigid material,such as plastic or other materials known to those skilled in the art.Each support rod 114 is positioned directly above the support member112. The shape and composition of the support rod 114 may be selectedbased on material properties and needs.

Additionally, when desired, an elastomeric coating 106 may be adhered tothe elongated core 102 across the elongated core top 104 and atop thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114. The elastomeric coating 106 mayalso be adhered to the elongated core 102 across the elongated corebottom 108. The elastomer coating 106 may also be adhered to thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114 when desired. The elastomericcoating 106 may be any desirable material, such as silicone or urethane,and may have characteristics selected for the particular use, such asbeing fire-rated. The elastomer coating 106 may therefore also containan intumescent. The elastomer 106 may be applied in strips or as acontinuous coating. The elastomeric coating 106 provides the trafficcontact point when the system 100 is installed in a joint. The system100 may be made at least partially symmetrical by also applying anelastomeric coating 107 to the bottom 108 of the core 102.

To better retain the longitudinal load-transfer member 114, theelongated core 102 may include an elongated core top slot 154 in theelongated core top 104, so that a longitudinal load-transfer member 114may be positioned in the elongated core top slot 154. The elongated coretop slot 154 may be any shape, may be selected to match the shape of thelongitudinal load-transfer member 114, or may be v-shaped, u-shaped, orrectangular. The shape of the elongated core top slot 154 may beselected to match the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinalload-transfer member 114, which may be any shape, such as rectangular,triangular, or conic. Further, the shape of the longitudinalload-transfer member 114 may be defined by the shape of the elongatedcore top slot 154, where the longitudinal load-transfer member 114 maybe formed in situ, by forming the longitudinal load-transfer member 114in the elongated core top slot 154 of a hardening material, such asepoxy. Because the elongated core top slot 154 is directly cut into theelongated core 102, a lower quantity of elastomer 106 may be required.

Alternatively, the support rod 114 may be formed by application of acoating, by injection, or by being filled into a profile on theelongated core 102 prior to compression. Alternatively, a graphite-basedfire retardant material 138 may be positioned between the support rod114 and the support member 112. These same support rods 114 and anygraphite member 116 may be positioned on the bottom 108 of the elongatedcore 102 to provide a partial symmetrical body.

Installation and maintenance of the system 100 may be furthered byadditional elements. To aid in installation, the elongated core 102 mayinclude an elongated beveled surface 148 adjacent the elongated corebottom 108 and the elongated core first side 101. To increase thesealing property of the system 100, an adhesive coating 136 may beapplied to the elongated core 102 on the elongated core first side 101.The elongated beveled surface 148 provides a tapered edge when notcompressed to facilitate installation. The gap in the joint occasionedby the lack of contact of the elongated beveled surface 148 and thesubstrate 302, 304 may be filed with materials selected for bonding,water resistance, and/or fire resistance such as epoxy or intumescent.

Similarly, the system 100 may include a tapered surface on the elongatedcore first side 101 near the elongated core top 104, which allows forgreater profile depth while still providing the desired support.

When further fire retardancy is desired, further elements may beincorporated into the system 100. A graphite-based fire retardantmaterial 138 may be positioned intermediate the longitudinalload-transfer member 114 and the support member 122. Further, a firstintumescent member 118 may be adhered to or embedded into the elongatedcore 102. The first intumescent member 118, such as expanding graphitestrips, has a first intumescent member first outer surface 142 and afirst intumescent member second outer surface 144. The first intumescentmember 118 is adhered to the elongated core 102 at the first intumescentmember second outer surface 144. When exposed to increased heat, thefirst intumescent member 118 expands, providing fire protection to theexpansion joint. To provide the fire resistance without impeding thecapability of the system 100, the first intumescent member 118 may beembedded in the core. This may be accomplished by providing a first corechannel 146 in the elongated core 102 in the elongated core first side101 along the entire length of the elongated core 102. More than onefirst intumescent member 118 may be utilized on a side.

Further, an elongated core channel 150 may be included in the elongatedcore 102 at the elongated core bottom 108, which may first provide aidin compression of the core 102, and which may include an intumescent 152and/or a hydrophilic rod to provide water resistance, within it. Thevoid extending upward into elongated core 102 created by the elongatedcore channel 150 does not extend substantially into the elongated core102, and provides a relieved inside section allowing for greatermovement and for easier installation. This elongated core channel 150reduces cross-section tension and compressive resistance.

The elongated core 102 may be treated with fire retardant additives, bymethods known in the art, such as infusion, impregnation and coating.Adhesives 136, elastomers 106, the longitudinal load-transfer members114, and the support members 112 may likewise may be selected to providefire retardancy characteristics.

Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of one embodiment of the presentdisclosure is provided. The various components of the system 100 aregenerally co-extensive. The elongated core 102 has an elongated corelongitudinal axis 202 and the longitudinal load-transfer member 114 hasa longitudinal load-transfer member axis 206. The elongated corelongitudinal axis 202 and the longitudinal load-transfer member axis 206are parallel. The elongated core 102 has an elongated core longitudinallength 204 and the longitudinal load-transfer member 114 has alongitudinal load-transfer member length 208. The elongated corelongitudinal length 204 and the longitudinal load-transfer member length208 are equivalent, i.e. substantially the same. Similarly, the firstintumescent member 118 has a first intumescent member length equivalentto, i.e. substantially the same as, the elongated core longitudinallength 204 and the longitudinal load-transfer member length 208.Likewise, the intumescent 152 in the elongated core channel 150 and thesupport member 112 may be sized to be equivalent, i.e. substantially thesame as, in length to the core length 204. Alternatively, any of thesupport member 112, the intumescent member 118, and the intumescent 152in the elongated core channel 150 may be of length less than core length204, and may be composed of short, spaced apart segments. Theintumescent members 118 thus provide protection with spaced reactiontime based on the actual time-temperature exposure required.

Referring to FIG. 3, an end view of one embodiment of the expansionjoint system 100 of the present disclosure after imposition betweensubstrates is provided. The system 100 is intended for imposition undercompression between a first substrate 302 and a second substrate 304.The first substrate 302 and the second substrate 304 are substantiallyco-planar with a first plane 308 and the first substrate 302 is distantthe second substrate 304 by a first distance 306. Each of the substrates302, 304 present a face 310, 312 perpendicular to the first plane 308,against which the system 100 applies force. The longitudinalload-transfer member lateral width 124 is not more than one-fourth thefirst distance 306. When installed, the system 100 takes on a bellowsprofile such that the longitudinal load-transfer members 114 are foundin, or below, each valley. The valley may be of any depth, and may beone-half inch in depth. The longitudinal load-transfer members may beimposed below the elongated top core 104 when desired. Similarly, theelongated core top 104 may be sculpted to present a bellows profilebefore installation to better promote the bellows profile afterinstallation. To provide a uniform bellows profile, when the elongatedcore 102 is formed of a plurality of foam members 110, each of the foammembers 110 may be of uniform width. The bellows profile may begenerated by the application of the elastomer 106. Alternatively, thewidth of a foam member 110 may be selected so the system 100 providesthe support rods 114, and the associated support members 112, areconcentrated at the traffic point of contact. As a result, the width ofribs, the width of the foam member 110 may be 0.375 inches each, but maybe substantially thinner, such as 0.125 inches, or substantially more,such as 0.5 inches. As a result, the system 100 allows for the necessarymovement associated with the joint, i.e. full movement, withoutrestricting expansion and contraction. This may be, for example, aminimum 50% movement. Beneficially, the structure of the presentdisclosure may provide a bellows profile with a flatter top on theexposed surface in comparison to the prior art, which presents arounded, profile with a peak of crown and tapered edges.

The shallower depth afforded from the supporting rods 114 permits use infire rated applications where quick initial intumescent protection isrequired. The bellows profile may provide a thinner system 100, whichprovides the further benefit of a lighter weight. Unlike comparablesystems which lack the supporting rods 114 and which are rated formovement of −25%+35% without a cover plate in wide joints, the presentdisclosure provides a system capable of +/−50% in wider joints.

Upon insertion and initial expansion of the system 100 into a joint inthe field, the adhesive 136 bonds to the adjacent joint substrate 302,304. The adhesive 136 remains intact and bonded until the intumescentmembers 118 react to heat and expand. The adhesive 136 provides anecessary function as the lack of bonding between the system 100 and thejoint substrate 302, 304 and about each intumescent members 118 willpermit the system 1700 to be pushed away from the joint substrate 302,304 upon activation of an intumescent members 118, exposing thesubstrate 302, 304 and undesirably allowing hot gas to flame topenetrate into the joint.

The present invention provides a high density linear support profile atits top. The elastomer 106 and the profile shape of the core 102increases the compression force on the foam at the point of contact.Preferably, the compression is in the ratio original to final of 2:1 to4.5:1. As illustrated, the present disclosure provides a flatter top onthe exposed surface compared to the typical bellow profile, which isrounded and has a peak or crown with tapered edges, presenting a taperedsurface 156. A tapered surface 156, adjacent the elongated core firstside 101 and the elongated core top 104, allows for greater profiledepth while still providing the desired support function. From testing,a profile depth of 0.125 to 0.5 inches provides the desired results.

The composite of the core 102, which readily expands and compresseslaterally in response to movement by the adjacent substrates, and thelongitudinal load-transfer members 114, which add resistive force to atop loaded weight by distributing the load through tension andconcentrated mass to the core, produces an expansion joint system whichcan have less deflection and can handle transfer loads unlike typicalpre-compressed or compressible foam expansion joints and therebyprovides a greater range of joint size and movement than has beenpreviously possible without a traditional cover plate.

In operation, the system 100 provides a resistive force to the toploaded weight by distributing the load over a wider area through thebonded support material to provide a secondary wear surface for theexpansion joint.

The system 100 may be supplied in continuous lengths equal to the lengthof the installation joint or alternatively in shorter segments, with orwithout alternating or overlapping strips or rods to be adhesivelybonded in place with the same material that is used to attached to theexpansion joint core or if in contact with the substrate embed in theadhesive or intumescent or regular epoxy. Precut lengths equal to thedesired installation joint are desirable at joints are eliminated assplicing is eliminated, but this may not be possible. However, multiplesystems 100 may be joined together to provide for longer lengths.

Additional sections of the longitudinal load-transfer member 114 and/orthe support member 112 can be attached in the field to provide acomplete union at splices between factory supplied lengths of theinvention. While the elastomer and foam, being softer, are subject toindentation compression from being rolled prior to installation, thesupport rods 114 offset this tendency, and therefore permit wider jointswith greater movement without the need of a cover plate. Systems knownin the art, for example, must address the difficulty of a regular jointwith a thick silicone coating having a lower indentation recovery andbeing more easily compressed downward into the joint.

Where manufactured by coating a thicker longitudinal material, thethicker longitudinal material can be coated and supplied in one or morelengths or as a single unit. Where manufactured by injection, thematerial will be injected in a precise, longitudinal line/area in one ormore lengths. The preferred method of injection of rigid thermoplasticmaterials is with a CNC controlled device such as a commerciallyavailable Statasys Dimension BST 3D printer head or other 2D or 3Dcontrolled device to allow for uniform and repeatable injection depthsand speed of thermoplastic and other materials injected materials. Theuse of the CNC controlled injection into the foam core and onto theprofile foam surface 3D printing is not limited to the rigid orthermoplastic longitudinal support materials but can use the same typeof 3D printing system and a different dispensing head or using a CNCcontrolled dispensing head to uniformly coat or inject the functionaladhesive or sealant at a precise thickness or depth. It has been foundthat variations in application from lot to lot will yield variableresults in the strength and compressibility of the foam core. Theinvention is not limited in this regard as adhesive, bonding agents andsealants used in the system can be applied manually or by other suitablemethod. CNC precision is preferred in this application as it providesmore consistent results. In the case of filling the expansion joint, thecore material would be cut or profiled, typically by a 3D CNC foamcutting machine such that there would be longitudinal valleys orreservoirs that, at specific widths, and depths would be filled with arigid or semi-rigid support material. The foam core profile can also becut by manual or other methods without varying from the spirit of thisinvention. Alternatively, any combination of coating or filling caninclude an additional support material such a carbon fiber, fiberglassreinforced plastic strips, metal or other type of cable (preferablynon-corrosive or rustproof) or a rigid or semi-flexible or flexiblepolymer rod. The space and thickness is determined by the joint widthand movement requirements.

The present disclosure provided advantages over the prior art. Thedisclosure provides for load transfer without a coverplate attached tothe substrate or expansion joint.

Beneficially, the present disclosure does so, with lower associatedcosts and without the limitations that plague the prior art.

The foregoing disclosure and description is illustrative and explanatorythereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated constructionmay be made within the scope of the appended claims without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. The present invention should only belimited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

I claim:
 1. An expansion joint system for imposition under compressionbetween a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrateand the second substrate being substantially co-planar with a firstplane, the first substrate being distant the second substrate by a firstdistance, comprising: an elongated core, the elongated core composed ofa resiliently compressible foam, the elongated core having an elongatedcore longitudinal axis, the elongated core having an elongated corelongitudinal length, the elongated core having an elongated core top,the elongated core having an elongated core bottom, the elongated corehaving an elongated core height intermediate the elongated core top andthe elongated core bottom, the elongated core having an elongated corefirst side, the elongated core first side being generally perpendicularto the elongated core top, the elongated core having an elongated coresecond side, the elongated core second side being generallyperpendicular to the elongated core top, the elongated core having anelongated core lateral width, the elongated core lateral widthconfigured to be greater than the first distance prior to imposition;and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member, the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member being incompressible, the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member having a longitudinal load-transfermember axis, the elongated core longitudinal axis and the longitudinalload-transfer member axis being parallel, the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member having longitudinal load-transfer member length,the elongated core longitudinal length and longitudinal load-transfermember length being equivalent, the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member bonded to the elongated foam core at the elongatedcore top, the at least one longitudinal load-transfer member having alongitudinal load-transfer member lateral width, wherein thelongitudinal load-transfer member lateral width is not more thanone-fourth the first distance; and at least one support member, the atleast one support member having a support member top, a support memberthickness, a first support member side, a second support member side,and a support member height, the at least one support member topadjacent the at least one longitudinal load-transfer member, the supportmember thickness equivalent to the longitudinal load-transfer memberlateral width the support member height at least one half the elongatedcore height, and the first support member side contacting the elongatedcore and the second support member side contacting the elongated core.2. The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member is rigid in a plane perpendicular tothe first plane and perpendicular to the elongated core longitudinalaxis.
 3. The expansion joint system of claim 2, wherein the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member is rigid in a plane parallel to thefirst plane.
 4. The expansion joint system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one longitudinal load-transfer member is flexible in a planeperpendicular to the first plane and perpendicular to the elongated corelongitudinal axis.
 5. The expansion joint system of claim 4, wherein theat least one longitudinal load-transfer member is rigid in a planeparallel to the first plane.
 6. The expansion joint system of claim 1,further comprising at least six of the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member.
 7. The expansion joint system of claim 1, whereinthe elongated core includes an elongated core top slot in the elongatedcore top, and wherein the at least one longitudinal load-transfer memberis positioned in the elongated core top slot.
 8. The expansion jointsystem of claim 1 wherein the elongated core comprises a plurality ofmembers laminated together.
 9. The expansion joint system of claim 1further comprising: an elastomeric coating adhered to the elongated coreacross the elongated core top and atop the longitudinal load-transfermember.
 10. The expansion joint system of claim 9 wherein theelastomeric coating is fire-rated.
 11. The expansion joint system ofclaim 9 wherein the elastomeric coating contains an intumescent.
 12. Theexpansion joint system of claim 1 further comprising: the support membertop abutting the longitudinal load-transfer member.
 13. The expansionjoint system of claim 1 further comprising: the support member topjoined to the longitudinal load-transfer member.
 14. The expansion jointsystem of claim 1 further comprising: a graphite-based fire retardantmaterial intermediate the at least one longitudinal load-transfer memberand the at least one support member.
 15. The expansion joint system ofclaim 1 further comprising: a first intumescent member, the firstintumescent member having a first intumescent member first outersurface, a first intumescent member second outer surface, and a firstintumescent member length, the first intumescent member adhered to theelongated core at the first intumescent member second outer surface thefirst intumescent member length equivalent to the elongated corelongitudinal length.
 16. The expansion joint system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a first body channel in the elongated core in the elongatedcore first side along the elongated core longitudinal length, and afirst intumescent member, the first intumescent member having a firstintumescent member first outer surface, a first intumescent membersecond outer surface, and a first intumescent member length, the firstintumescent member adhered to the elongated core at the firstintumescent member second outer surface in the first body channel, thefirst intumescent member first outer surface substantially aligned withthe elongated core first side, the first intumescent member lengthequivalent to the elongated core longitudinal length.
 17. The expansionjoint system of claim 1 further comprising: an elongated beveled surfaceadjacent the elongated core bottom and the elongated core first side.18. The expansion joint system of claim 1 further comprising: anelongated core channel in the elongated core at the elongated corebottom.
 19. The expansion joint system of claim 18 further comprising:an intumescent within the elongated core channel.
 20. An expansion jointsystem for imposition under compression between a first substrate and asecond substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate beingsubstantially co-planar with a first plane, the first substrate beingdistant the second substrate by a first distance, comprising: anelongated core, the elongated core composed of a resilientlycompressible foam, the elongated core having an elongated corelongitudinal axis, the elongated core having an elongated corelongitudinal length, the elongated core having an elongated core top,the elongated core having an elongated core bottom, the elongated corehaving an elongated core height intermediate the elongated core top andthe elongated core bottom, the elongated core having an elongated corefirst side, the elongated core first side being generally perpendicularto the elongated core top, the elongated core having an elongated coresecond side, the elongated core second side being generallyperpendicular to the elongated core top, the elongated core having anelongated core lateral width, the elongated core lateral widthconfigured to be greater than the first distance prior to imposition,and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member, the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member being incompressible, the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member having a longitudinal load-transfermember axis, the elongated core longitudinal axis and the longitudinalload-transfer member axis being parallel, the at least one longitudinalload-transfer member having longitudinal load-transfer member length,the at least one longitudinal load-transfer member bonded to theelongated foam core at the elongated core top, the at least onelongitudinal load-transfer member having a longitudinal load-transfermember lateral width, wherein the longitudinal load-transfer memberlateral width is not more than one-fourth the first distance, at leastone support member, the at least one support member having a supportmember top, a support member thickness, a first support member side, asecond support member side, and a support member height, the at leastone support member top adjacent the at leas one longitudinalload-transfer member, the support member height at least one half theelongated core height, and the first support member side contacting theelongated core and the second support member side contacting theelongated core.